Coconut Cream Buyer's Guide for Cooking and Baking

With so many products on the market, finding the right coconut cream can be a challenge. Whether you're making an authentic Thai curry, a creamy vegan cake, or an exotic cocktail, the right consistency and fat content are crucial for your recipe's success. This guide will help you understand the differences between the available options and make an informed decision when you want to buy coconut cream. We'll introduce a selection of products suitable for various culinary applications.

What to Look for When Buying Coconut Cream

To find the right product for your kitchen, you should consider a few fundamental criteria. These will help you better classify the properties of coconut cream.

1. Fat Content: The Key to Creaminess

The key difference between coconut milk and coconut cream lies in the fat content. While coconut milk typically has a fat content of 5% to 19%, high-fat coconut cream starts at around 20% and can reach 24% or more.

• High Fat Content (over 20%): Ideal for recipes that require a thick, rich consistency. Perfect as a vegan cream alternative for whipping, preparing desserts, ice cream, or giving coconut cream for curry a velvety texture.
• Lower Fat Content (under 20%): Better suited for lighter sauces, soups, or drinks where a more liquid consistency is desired, but a distinct coconut flavour is still important.

2. The Form: Liquid in a Carton or as a Powder?

Coconut cream is mainly available in two forms, each offering specific advantages.

• Liquid Coconut Cream: Usually packaged in cans or UHT cartons, it's ready to use and convenient for everyday coconut cream for cooking. Carton packaging can often preserve the flavour better and is easy to reseal after opening.
• Coconut Cream Powder: An excellent option for long, unrefrigerated storage and flexible portioning. The powder is simply mixed with water, allowing you to control the consistency yourself—from a thin coconut milk to a thick cream. This saves space and reduces waste, as you only mix the amount you need.

3. Ingredient List and Additives

A look at the ingredient list provides insight into the product's purity. High-quality coconut creams often consist of just coconut extract and water. Some products contain stabilisers (like xanthan or guar gum) to ensure a uniform consistency and prevent the fat and water phases from separating. These are generally harmless and necessary for product stability.

Handpicked Coconut Creams

Here is a selection of coconut cream products that are well-suited for different culinary projects due to their specific properties.

KARA Coconut CREAM UHT 24% Fat 500ml

Why It Stands Out: With a fat content of 24%, this KARA Coconut Cream offers an exceptionally rich and thick consistency. The UHT packaging ensures a long shelf life and preserves the fresh flavour without the use of preservatives.

Pros:

• High Creaminess: The high fat content makes it an excellent base for creamy sauces and desserts.
• Pure Ingredients: According to the manufacturer, it contains no preservatives, flavourings, or colourings.
• Versatile: Equally well-suited for cooking, baking, and preparing coconut cream for cocktails like Pi?a Coladas.

Who It's For: For chefs and bakers looking for a reliable, very creamy coconut milk alternative with an intense flavour for a wide variety of dishes.

KARA Coconut Cream Powder 50g

Why It Stands Out: This coconut cream powder from KARA is the ideal solution for anyone who values long shelf life and flexibility. The 50g packet is conveniently portioned and helps prevent food waste.

Pros:

• Long Shelf Life & Space-Saving: Takes up very little pantry space compared to cans or cartons.
• Flexible Consistency: You can control how thick the cream becomes by adjusting the amount of water you add.
• Convenient Portions: The packet size is often sufficient for a family meal, ensuring you always use a fresh product.

Who It's For: For home cooks who use coconut cream less frequently, or for anyone looking for a space-saving, long-lasting option for their pantry.

AROY-D Coconut Cream (21% Fat) 1L

Why It Stands Out: The AROY-D Coconut Cream in a 1-litre carton is an economical choice for regular use. With 70% coconut extract and a fat content of 21%, it offers a balanced creaminess for everyday use.

Pros:

• Bulk Size: The 1-litre package is ideal for large families, food service, or if you frequently prepare Asian dishes.
• Pure Flavour: According to the manufacturer, it consists of 100% pure coconut cream, derived from the first pressing.
• Reliable Quality: AROY-D is an established brand in Asian cuisine, known for its consistent product quality.

Who It's For: For anyone who regularly uses large quantities of coconut cream for curry, soups, and other dishes and values good value for money.

Looking for More Options?

If our curated selection doesn't quite meet your needs, you can find a broader range of products on our category page. There you can compare different brands, fat contents, and package sizes to find the perfect coconut cream for your next culinary project.

Discover our full range of coconut cream here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between coconut cream and coconut milk?

The main difference is the fat content and consistency. Coconut cream is made from the solid, high-fat part of the first coconut pressing and has a fat content of over 20%. It is thick and creamy. Coconut milk is a mixture of this coconut flesh and water, resulting in a more liquid consistency and a lower fat content (typically 5–19%).

Can you use coconut cream as a substitute for dairy cream?

Yes, coconut cream is an excellent vegan cream alternative. Products with a high fat content (over 20%) can often be whipped like heavy cream when chilled and are perfect for enriching sauces, soups, and desserts. It adds a rich texture and a subtle coconut flavour to dishes.

How should you store opened coconut cream?

After opening, liquid coconut cream should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It should be used within 3 to 5 days. Coconut cream powder should also be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place after opening to maintain its quality.